The FOCUS of each yoga class is unique – descriptions are below.

Yoga Backbends

Backbends undo the ills of the day, particularly sitting and the ever unescapable gravitational pull. “Backbends are rejuvenating. They give energy and courage and combat depression. They open the chest and make the spine more flexible.”

Through passive seated and reclining stretching, the muscles along the spine elongate in an effort to compress the spine.

Hamstrings

A body has 6 hamstrings; hamstrings are typically thought of as muscles, but are in fact approximately 70% tendon. Tendons are tougher than muscle and thus it is not unusual to have tight hamstrings. Stretches are achieved in standing, sitting and reclining poses.

Head-To-Toe

This yoga class works our “marvelous middles”, also known as our cores. “Tension Tamers” are added to the class for stress relief.

Hips

The primary function of the hips is to support the weight of the body in both static (e.g. standing) and dynamic (e.g. walking or running) postures. To keep the hips stable, they need to be taken through their full range of motion. We will be releasing, toning and lengthening the psoas, abductors, adductors, IT band, Gluteus maximus, quadriceps and hamstrings

Yoga Moon Salutes

Moon Salutes offer the same physical benefits of the Sun Salute stretching the entire body, increasing circulation into the heart, lungs and all the major organs, muscles and joints; toning all the major muscle groups and promoting spinal flexibility, rejuvenating the nervous system; and, preventing and treating arthritis by promoting the secretion of synovial fluid in the joints.

Shoulders

The primary function of the shoulders is to provide mobility for the motions of the arms and hands, while providing stability for pushing, pulling and lifting. We will be taking the shoulders through their full range of motion to balance their musculoskeletal structure. You will be amazed at how the entire body benefits from the strength and flexibility you will build.

Standing

“The standing poses are invigorating. They refresh the body and mind by removing tension, aches, and pains, They stimulate digestion, regulate the kidneys, and relieve constipation. They improve circulation and breathing. The back, hips, knees, neck and shoulders all gain strength and mobility through practice….”

Strength

While you can simultaneously build muscle while stretching, this class focuses on specifically on yoga poses designed to increase strength for the upper body, core and lower body.

Yoga Sun Salutations

As Nirmala Heriza says in her “Dr. Yoga” book, sun salutes stretch the entire body, increasing circulation into the heart, lungs and all of the major organs, muscles and joints. It tones all of the major muscle groups and promotes spinal flexibility, rejuvenating the nervous system. It is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of arthritis by promoting the secretion of synovial fluid in the joints.

Twists

“Twists are very effective in relieving backaches, headaches and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. As the trunk turns, the kidneys and abdominal organs are activated and exercised. This improves digestion and removes sluggishness. The spine becomes flexible and the hips move more easily.”

Descriptions in quotes are taken from “Yoga the Iyengar Way” by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta.

YOGA FOR THE HEALTH OF IT - Serving Johnson City and Elizabethton, Tennessee
"Yoga provides health benefits through stretching, strengthening and providing the link to the mind/body connection." - Crystal Gray, CYI, E-RYT 500